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European Parliament endorses the use of integrative medicine

Feb 22, 2022

Two recent reports from the European Parliament recognise the benefits of integrative medicine, stressing the importance of developing ‘a holistic, integrative and patient-centric approach’ and encouraging the use of complementary therapies where appropriate.

On 24 November, the Parliament adopted the Resolution on a pharmaceutical strategy for Europe, calling for measures to address the disparities in access to high quality healthcare services in the EU, and to guarantee the right of patients to universal, affordable, effective, safe and timely access to essential and innovative medicines. This Resolution also addresses the importance of an integrative approach to medicine, highlighting ‘the fact that scientifically recognised integrative medicine approved by  public health authorities can bring benefits to patients in relation to the parallel effects of several diseases, such as cancer, and their treatment’, stressing ‘the importance of developing a holistic, integrative and patient-centred approach’  and encouraging, where appropriate, ‘the complementary use of these therapies under the supervision of healthcare professionals.’

On 16 February, the European Parliament adopted a Resolution on strengthening Europe in the fight against cancer, proposing priorities and actions to the European Commission on the implementation of the Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan.  Again, this report encourages the use of complementary medicine in oncology, citing the same text as before.

ECHAMP is very pleased to see these recommendations by the European Parliament and welcomes the growing recognition at EU level of the role and contribution of integrative medicine, which combines conventional medicine with complementary and traditional approaches, including both conventional and traditional medicinal products, to achieve optimum health and wellbeing for patients. This new trend opens up a world in which the potential of our sector can be better understood and exploited.